An emergency preparation expert has suggested that households can assemble a basic winter power cut kit for around £20, covering essentials such as light, warmth, food and phone charging. Power cuts caused by storms, damaged electricity lines or local faults can leave homes without heating, lighting and access to electrical appliances for several hours.
Affordable Essentials for an Unexpected Outage
Marcus Clarke, founder of The Prepared Household, says preparing for an unexpected outage does not necessarily mean spending hundreds of pounds on specialist equipment. He said: "People hear 'emergency kit' and picture a £200 survival rucksack. But I'm talking about getting through a power cut on a cold January evening. You need light, warmth, food and a way to keep your phone charged. Most of that costs very little."
The suggested shopping list uses approximate prices from budget supermarkets and discount retailers, with the original estimate coming to £19.23. However, prices will vary between retailers and the list should be treated as a starting point rather than a complete emergency supply kit.
What to Include in the Kit
The suggested supplies include a torch and spare batteries at around £4.75, a foil emergency blanket at around £1.10, a budget power bank at around £5, three tins of ready-to-eat food and a manual tin opener at around £3.23, a two-litre bottle of water at around 80p and basic first aid supplies at around £3.35. The original list also included £1 for candles, although battery-powered lighting is generally a safer option because candles carry a fire risk.
The estimated prices are based on October 2026 and have not been independently verified, so households may need to spend more depending on what they already own. Marcus said: "None of these items is particularly exciting, but that's the point. They're simple, inexpensive things that become incredibly useful when the electricity suddenly goes off."
Practical Tips for Power Cut Preparedness
One item Marcus recommends keeping with emergency food supplies is a manual tin opener, as households relying on an electric opener could find themselves unable to access tinned food during a power cut. He said: "You might have plenty of food stored away, but if your only tin opener is electric, you're going to have a problem during a power cut."
A power bank is another useful addition, allowing people to recharge their mobile phones when mains electricity is unavailable. Marcus recommends checking that it is charged regularly, suggesting the first day of every month as a reminder.
A foil emergency blanket can help retain body heat, although it should be used alongside warm clothing, ordinary blankets and additional layers rather than as the only source of warmth. Battery-powered torches or lanterns are recommended for lighting, particularly in households with children or pets. Marcus said: "Candles might be cheaper, but they bring a fire risk. Never leave one burning unattended, and always keep it away from anything flammable."
Building Up Water and Information Supplies
The UK Government's Prepare guidance recommends keeping around 2.5 to 3 litres of drinking water per person per day for three days. This means the two-litre bottle included in the suggested budget kit would not provide enough water for a prolonged emergency. Marcus recommends gradually building up supplies by purchasing additional bottled water during regular shopping trips.
He also suggests adding a battery-powered or wind-up radio if the household budget allows, as it can provide access to local information if mobile phone coverage becomes unreliable. He said: "This isn't about preparing for the end of the world. It's about having a few essentials in one box so you're not sitting in the dark with a flat phone and nothing you can eat. Twenty quid is a perfectly good place to start."
Households can find further advice on preparing for emergencies, including power cuts and severe weather, through the UK Government's Prepare website.
